Newsletter

JULY 2014 - Nic & Wes Builders Pte Ltd Newsletter (Issue 50)

Subject: JULY 2014 - Nic & Wes Builders Pte Ltd Newsletter (Issue 50)

Send date: 2014-07-01

Issue #: 50

Content:

JULY 2014 ISSUE 50

IN THE PIPELINE: THE HOME OF STEEL (PART 1)By Nicole Kow

It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s Nic & Wes Steel Homes! Being in the building industry for almost 12 years, understanding the foundation if not more about brick and mortar building has become second nature. But while this traditional choice is seen as the go-to route for building does it really optimize the build process?

This 2-part series will take you on a journey of one of our portfolio projects which allowed us the chance to have hands-on experience into alternative building methods that aims to improve the building process. In part one, we will delve into this alternative build process highlighting the key factors that makes it different from the traditional route while in part two, we will take a walk-through of the finished home.

Nic & Wes Builders is constantly in the pursuit to improve the efficiency of the build process. Questions, research and brainstorming are a constant sequence in conversations around the Nic & Wes HQ.

Taking on average a year plus to complete a rebuild, is there a way to shorten the time? With all the material components required to build a home is there a way to keep the site as clean as possible? Are brick and concrete the only materials capable to shelter us?

Looking into building efficiency, the idea of using steel structures became the main highlight of 2012-2013. The more ductile material proved quicker to install where the preliminary planning stages were extremely crucial before fabrication takes place.

The steel home project in focus was planned as a complete rebuild or new erection. The existing corner terrace house structure was completely demolished to make way for its steel home replacement.

With a workforce of approximately ten foreign workers and one project manager, the once vacant plot began to make preparations.

After the preliminary drawings were submitted and approved, the fabrication and shipment of the materials made its way to Singapore. Once receiving the materials, the installation could begin.

Unlike concrete structures, steel structures do not have any waiting time for drying and thus work process can go on simultaneously from level to level as long as materials are on-hand. Such as that for this particular project, the lightness of the steel components allowed for easier and faster installation time.

From its first level to its fourth and final level, the home began taking form just like a phoenix rising from the ashes. On average, the installation of the structure took about a week each to complete.

Using the nut and bolt system, the steel components are transported to its respective positions by crane and manually fastened by the workers on hand. The nut and bolt system ensures secure and accurate positioning of the structure.

While immensely strong on weight-load, steel presents less overall structural weight to the base foundation and thus the means of building without the need to pile becomes a possible route. However, is based on a case to case basis.

Once the skeleton was complete, the installation of dry solid walls replaced the traditional brick as the rest of the home took shape. Dry solid walls while similar in characteristics to brick, differs such as it comes in larger thinner pieces that provides better sound insulation and is an efficient fire-rated material. Above that, these bigger bricks are still versatile allowing alterations to be made with more ease than the regular brick.

The process of building a home with steel can essentially shorten the initial stages of a build process. Delivery logistics on the other hand can be a key component to determining the duration.

While this alternative method is not highly adopted in most homes on our shores, the system itself is nothing new. Other countries around the world have already adopted the use of steel structures for years both in commercial and residential structures.

Curious to see if a steel structure home differs from a traditional concrete structure home? Stay tuned for the unveiling in the next issue.

When Jude and I first saw this original piece of property (that we now call home), an immediate synchronised thought coalesced between the two of us and we knew what we were going to do to transform this forty-plus year old house into the epitome of a Lifestyle Home and I dare say that there isn't a similar version that we have seen yet.

We wanted as much of the amenities that were found in a condominium and a strong sense of resort living to accentuate the aura of peace, tranquillity and calmness found at our vacation stays.

It was more a “why not” and “how to” that led us to create to this place we call our home; A place where we, as a couple, automatically yearn to gravitate back to at the end of the day. An abode created for the family to grow and live a permanent vacation.

We have realised that we all need a house to live in, but we wanted was a home and more. Thus, why shouldn't we pamper ourselves with a Lifestyle Home? I have not woken up a day regretting it and I sincerely hope that you would not too, in the pursuit of building your home.

Available at the following bookstores:

Singapore
Kinokuniya, Ngee Ann City
Times the Bookshop, Centre PointTimes the Bookshop, Paragon

Malaysia
Kinokuniya, KLCC

Thailand
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PROPERTY WATCH

[click on image for more info]

Type: Office/Light Industrial Unit

List Type: For Rent

Built In: 1,367 sq. ft. (approx)

Features: Attached toilet, spacious unit space

Amenities: Close proximity to Tai Seng MRT, provides use for communal gym and pool, food court